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But he said the Cabinet reshuffle was ultimately a matter for the Taoiseach, in consultation with party leader John Gormley.

It has been speculated that Mr Gormley will step aside as Minister for Environment in favour of party colleague Ciarán Cuffe.

Brian Cowen is expected to announce a Cabinet reshuffle within the next two weeks.

He has two places to fill following the recent resignations of Defence Minister Willie O'Dea and Minister for Arts, Sport & Tourism Martin Cullen.

Mr Gormley said speculation about the reshuffle was getting 'boring'.

Asked about reports that he had agreed to rotate his Cabinet position with Mr Cuffe, Mr Gormley advised journalists 'not to jump to conclusions', adding that they should not believe everything they read in the papers.

Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey said any rotation agreement was a matter solely for the Green Party.

He added: 'At the end of the day, the selection of Cabinet is a matter for the Taoiseach and that's the way it's always been.'